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Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to visit Türkiye, aiming to further advance political, economic and defense cooperation that has gained momentum in recent years between the two countries, Anadolu Agency reports.
Relations between Türkiye and Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, have been marked by growing high-level contacts and rising trade volume.
Bilateral trade reached $688.4 million in the first 11 months of 2025. When energy trade is included, Nigeria became Türkiye’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa in 2025.
More than 50 Turkish companies operate in Nigeria, with investments valued at around $400 million. Turkish contractors have significantly increased their presence in Nigeria in recent years, with project values nearing $3 billion. Turkish firms are active in construction, energy, textiles and manufacturing.
Türkiye exports iron and steel, machinery, textiles, food and furniture to Nigeria, while importing crude oil and agricultural products.
Defense industry cooperation has emerged as a key area in bilateral relations. Agreements signed in military training, the defense industry and security have strengthened strategic cooperation.
Nigeria’s Air Force previously purchased unmanned aerial vehicles from Türkiye, as well as six ATAK T129 attack helicopters.
Nigeria’s energy and mining sectors, including oil, natural gas and hydrocarbons, also offer significant opportunities for Turkish investors, alongside major needs in infrastructure, housing, health and transportation.
Relations between the two countries trace back to contacts between the Ottoman Empire and the Kanem-Bornu state in West Africa. Diplomatic ties in the modern era were established after Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
Türkiye opened its embassy in Lagos in 1962, one of its first diplomatic missions in sub-Saharan Africa.
Educational and cultural ties are supported by Nigerian students studying in Türkiye and activities of the Yunus Emre Institute.
Regular flights by Turkish Airlines to Lagos and Abuja have facilitated commercial and social interaction.
During the visit, Tinubu is expected to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues.
According to Nigeria’s presidency, cooperation opportunities in security, education, social development, innovation and aviation will be addressed. Strategic political and diplomatic talks are also expected in finance, communication, trade and investment.
The visit is set to include meetings involving senior officials and the signing of memorandums of understanding in areas such as scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communication, military cooperation and protocol.
A business forum bringing together investors from both countries is also planned.
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